A Lecture upon the Shadow

 Stand still, and I will read to thee

 A lecture, Love, in Love's philosophy.

     These three hours that we have spent,

     Walking here, two shadows went

 Along with us, which we ourselves produced.

 But, now the sun is just above our head,

     We do those shadows tread,

     And to brave clearness all things are reduced.

 So whilst our infant loves did grow,

 Disguises did, and shadows, flow

 From us and our cares ; but now 'tis not so.

 That love hath not attain'd the highest degree,

 Which is still diligent lest others see.

 Except our loves at this noon stay,

 We shall new shadows make the other way.

     As the first were made to blind

     Others, these which come behind

 Will work upon ourselves, and blind our eyes.

 If our loves faint, and westerwardly decline,

     To me thou, falsely, thine

     And I to thee mine actions shall disguise.

 The morning shadows wear away,

 But these grow longer all the day ;

 But O ! love's day is short, if love decay.

 Love is a growing, or full constant light,

 And his short minute, after noon, is night.

John Donne